BREAKING NEWS: Hornets’ LaMelo Ball Ruled Out vs. Thunder due to…..

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball has been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a right ankle injury, the team announced earlier today. The 20-year-old Ball, who has been a key contributor to the Hornets’ offense this season, will not make the trip to Oklahoma City with the team.According to sources close to the team, Ball suffered the injury during the Hornets’ last game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. While the exact severity of the injury is not yet known, the Hornets’ medical staff has deemed it serious enough to keep him out of action for at least one game.Ball has been a bright spot for the Hornets this season, averaging 11.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game. His absence will be felt by the team, particularly in the playmaking department, as he is one of the team’s primary ball handlers.In his place, Hornets coach James Borrego is expected to turn to veteran point guard Terry Rozier to take on a larger role. Rozier, who has been a reliable backup point guard for the Hornets, will need to step up and help facilitate the team’s offense against a Thunder team that has been stingy on defense.The Hornets (24-25) are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Thunder (20-29) are 13th in the Western Conference. The game is set to tip off at 7:00 PM EST.